“Many people will have no problem paying for prescriptions that they can afford to buy over the counter, especially if that works out cheaper for them. The people who stand to lose out from these plans are those currently receiving free prescriptions because they cannot afford to buy treatments.

“We welcome NHS England’s decision to make people with long term conditions exempt from having to pay. That exemption needs to be extended to cover people who are financially vulnerable and would struggle to pay for treatments themselves.

“Often those with the greatest need have the quietest voice, but that does not mean they should bear the brunt of difficult rationing decisions.”